McIntosh MHA200 Valve Headphone Amplifier Launched
McIntosh has launched its MHA200 Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier.
The McIntosh MHA200 Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier is powered by a pair of 12AT7 and 12BH7A dual triode vacuum tubes. The 12AT7 vacuum tubes amplify the incoming audio signal while the 12BH7A tubes provide the power to drive the output to the headphones with low distortion.
The MHA200 head amp also uses a pair of McIntosh's Unity Coupled Circuit output transformers to deliver pristine audio. The same as used in the company's full-sized hi-fi amplifiers since 1949.
McIntosh's MHA200 might be compact (15.6cmx23.2cm (WxD)), but it does not lack connectivity options with a pair of 3-pin balanced XLR connectors for dedicated Left and Right balanced output; a 4-pin balanced XLR connector for balanced stereo output; and a 1/4-inch stereo headphone jack. To hook-up the MHA200 to your source components, you get a set each of both balanced and unbalanced inputs.
Of course, there is a whole raft of unique McIntosh tech onboard, too. For instance, those Unity Coupled Circuit transformers have been adapted to produce four headphone impedance ranges of 32 – 100, 100 – 250, 250 – 600, and 600 – 1,000 Ohms at 500mW which should accommodate virtually every headphone out there. Additionally, McIntosh custom designed and manufactured output transformers that match the tube amplifier section to the headphone output section. We're told that this ensures maximum power transfer for various headphone loads. Instead of adapting to the impedance of the headphones with voltage gain in the input stage, the Unity Coupled Circuit output transformers' secondary windings ensure the full power of the MHA200 is available regardless of the impedance of the headphones. Finally, the custom, high-performance toroidal power transformer with low mechanical hum and low magnetic field reduces electrical noise and provides clean power to the amplifier.
Impedance range is dialled in via the LOAD knob, whereas the VOLUME dial allows the MHA200 to be connected directly to music sources with fixed volume output. However, if the component has variable volume output, McIntosh advises that the VOLUME knob be set to the centre Unity Gain point.
Giving the MHA200 its unmistakably McIntosh looks is a custom formed stainless steel chassis with a polished mirror finish, and a vintage die-cast aluminium McIntosh name badge adorns the side.
You can order the US$2,500 MHA200 now through authorised McIntosh dealers who are expecting shipments to arrive in April 2021.
See McIntosh for more information
Jay Garrett
StereoNET’s resident rock star, bass player, and gadget junkie. Jay heads up StereoNET as Editor for the United Kingdom and Europe regions. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.
Posted in: Headphones
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